BTS's V has flaunted his musical prowess as his solo album "Layover" achieved the fastest 600 million streams on Spotify in the history of K-pop solo albums.
On October 26, "Layover" set the record for being the fastest among the K-pop albums released in 2023 to hit 600 million streams. This is also the shortest duration for any K-pop solo album overall.
Within the first week of its release, "Layover" garnered 100 million streams on Spotify, reaching 300 million in just 10 days, 400 million in 21 days, 500 million in 33 days, and finally 600 million streams in 48 days. As of November 1, it has recorded over 625.1 million streams.
V's "Layover" achieved double million sales by surpassing 2.1 million copies in its initial phase. This monumental record, achieved by a debut solo album, stands tall as the best since Jo Sung Mo's "Let Me Love" from the year 2000, a gap of 23 years. It also debuted at No. 2 on the 'Billboard 200', the highest for a K-pop solo artist. The 'Billboard 200' ranks based on album and EP sales, streams, and downloads, reflecting the power of the artist's fandom.
The tracks in "Layover" have been lauded for their diverse musical ventures rooted in R&B, which reflect V's personal taste, and have expanded the boundaries of the traditional K-pop genre.
Opting for a more relaxed and introspective approach rather than an album filled to the brim, the album truly encapsulates V's calm and laid-back personality. British music magazine NME commented on V's musical inclination, stating, "V possesses a profound soul in music." Based on jazz with a classical sound infused with modern modulations, 'Layover' has been critically acclaimed for its artistic approach over commercial intent. Yet, it achieved massive commercial success. Dominating global music charts and record sales, V has solidified his presence as a solo artist, striking a balance between commercial and artistic brilliance.
